Teen bank robber’s mother also charged in suburban Austin hold-ups

The 17-year-old was sentenced to 30 years in prison this week for robbing a suburban Austin bank twice at gunpoint. That his weapon of choice was an unloaded BB gun didn’t sway the jury or judge, who decided in July that he should be tried as an adult.

There’s no question that the teenager was headed down the wrong road, but now prosecutors intend to punish the person they say put him on that path: his mother, Diedre Blackburn (right).
Ms. Blackburn has been charged with five counts of aggravated robbery and is expected to go to trial Dec. 1.

Police say she helped plan the two January robberies — and was in the bank for one of the hold-ups — as well as two others at another Bank of America branch in Round Rock in December and January of last year.

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Criminal justice reporters, editors and invited guests provide news and analysis impacting Dallas-area police, courts, fire and other public safety issues and entities. Readers are encouraged to join the conversation.